Pat Apple said he isn’t entering the Kansas Corporation Commission with any agenda, other than to serve the people of Kansas.

Apple was sworn in for a four-year term as the third KCC commissioner Friday afternoon. He was appointed by Gov. Sam Brownback to replace Thomas Wright, whose term expired in March.

The KCC regulates the oil and natural gas, electricity, telephone, and transportation industries in Kansas. It also has jurisdiction over a few water utilities. The commissioners have to approve utilities’ requests to increase their rates or to make certain changes to their service, and they have the ability to approve penalties for regulated companies for environmental, safety and other violations.

Apple said he doesn’t have a “preconceived agenda” going into his new role, though he is concerned about the rising cost of energy, making sure telecommunications regulations reflect modern technology, and keeping fuel pipelines and the transportation industry safe. The most important thing is to consider Kansans’ needs, he said.

“In life you need to understand who you work for,” he said. “Every decision should be based on how to make Kansas a better place to live, work and raise a family.”

Apple represented Louisburg in the Senate from 2005 to 2014. He was on the Senate committee on utilities for his entire tenure, serving as vice chairman until 2008 and chairman until he resigned to join the KCC. He also served as vice chairman of the Kansas Electric Transmission Authority and chairman of the telecommunications study committee. He owns Apple Electric with his wife, Debbie.

“I think that background is going to be helpful,” he said.

Apple was the second commissioner nominated in recent months to come from the Senate. Commissioner Jay Emler, who had represented Lindsborg since 2001, joined the KCC in January.

Emler joked that Apple might not be equal to the pace at the KCC, which is known for its deliberative nature.

“The pace is really tough compared to what you’re used to, so you’re really going to have to gauge yourself,” he said.

Commission chairwoman Shari Feist Albrecht said before the swearing in that she looked forward to working with Apple.

“His work ethic and his experience as a business owner will benefit the commission,” she said.